11.8.2011
DI Taught Me What Designers Actually Do
It’s never too late.” This pretty much sums up the reason Terri Parsons decided to go back to school to pursue a degree in Interior Design despite the fact that she was 40 years old and had an established and secure career in the IT world. “I used to love it but I just got tired of doing it every day and I realized that it was not what I wanted to do the rest of my life.” Terri had always drawn compliments on her homes even though, in her early years, they were put together on a shoe-string budget. Terri also fell in love with HGTV when it first started becoming popular and it really inspired her to look into a career change. After researching schools online there was no question about where she wanted to go. “The accreditation is what brought me to Design Institute. And now I know it was the right choice because when I’m out there and go to PK (Product Knowledge) meetings, other attendees sometimes ask me all sorts of questions about design and business that I learned while I was a student!”
Terri currently owns her own design business where she specializes in residential design and also dips her hand into hospitality, warehouse spaces and offices. Terri believes that every budget deserves good design. She made a special effort to put together two design options for just that purpose. “We need to get rid of the old fashioned notion that designers are only for the wealthy.” She is sure that it is this attitude that has gotten her business through the hard economic times. As she put it, “I never turn down work!”
Terri didn’t wait till she was out of school to get started. Due to her age and previous work experience she decided to get her business license and resale certificate before she even graduated. She also took on a ‘real design’ for her senior project by restoring an Italian farmhouse. She actually contacted the Italian contractor, Geometra, for the existing plans and photographs. The clients ended up buying her redesign; drawings, renderings and all! Although that gave her an exciting boost of confidence at the end of her education, it was actually her very first design class at DI that she calls her favorite. “Intro to Interior Design really opened my eyes to what designers actually do. I also liked the CAD classes. But I would say my favorite class and most enlightening (pardon the pun) was Sage Russell’s lighting class. I’m actually reading his new textbook. Lighting is everything to a space, and Sage was a terrific instructor; I still design my lighting plans just how he taught.” Terri states that she frequently reviews her DI resources from school projects, “The answer to many of my dilemmas, when I run into them, is covered in that material.”
Terri’s creativity does not stop at designing interiors. As an accomplished cellist, she plays for the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, gives private lessons, and even played at her own graduation from DI. She also uses this skill to help inform her design decisions. Yes, you read correctly... “When I hear music, I can see colors. It’s a phenomenon called Sound Synesthesia. If I have a client who is active and wants a vibrant space I’ll play through some quick music or just the opposite. I will play periodically throughout the design phases which help me see the colors I want to use.” Whatever approach she uses seems to be working. Since graduation she has been published four times in San Diego Home/Garden Magazine; two times in the paper version and two times in the online version. She has also been doing home shows associated with ASID, IFDA and NKBA. Keeping a journal of notes from every project has been key to Terri’s growth. “I learn something useful from every project. The interior design business has been so rewarding. I am honored when a client refers me to friends and colleagues, and I love it when they smile through their walkthrough and say ‘You really got us.’ A designer just inwardly says to themselves, “Whew!”
Advice for students? “Stay involved in the associations. It's a great way to network, learn about the industry, and learn more about design. Sometimes it's a great way to find a job too. Getting involved in being a docent for different events is always a great way to meet established designers. Keep up with a variety of periodicals. It is important to understand all design styles. Remember, it’s about what the client needs, and this versatility will help you give the client what they want.” And hang in there! “I now understand why DI was so tough. They really prepare you! I wouldn’t want to be from any other school.”
To see Terri's website: http://www.anneparsonsinteriors.com
“
Terri didn’t wait till she was out of school to get started. Due to her age and previous work experience she decided to get her business license and resale certificate before she even graduated. She also took on a ‘real design’ for her senior project by restoring an Italian farmhouse. She actually contacted the Italian contractor, Geometra, for the existing plans and photographs. The clients ended up buying her redesign; drawings, renderings and all! Although that gave her an exciting boost of confidence at the end of her education, it was actually her very first design class at DI that she calls her favorite. “Intro to Interior Design really opened my eyes to what designers actually do. I also liked the CAD classes. But I would say my favorite class and most enlightening (pardon the pun) was Sage Russell’s lighting class. I’m actually reading his new textbook. Lighting is everything to a space, and Sage was a terrific instructor; I still design my lighting plans just how he taught.” Terri states that she frequently reviews her DI resources from school projects, “The answer to many of my dilemmas, when I run into them, is covered in that material.”
Terri’s creativity does not stop at designing interiors. As an accomplished cellist, she plays for the La Jolla Symphony and Chorus, gives private lessons, and even played at her own graduation from DI. She also uses this skill to help inform her design decisions. Yes, you read correctly... “When I hear music, I can see colors. It’s a phenomenon called Sound Synesthesia. If I have a client who is active and wants a vibrant space I’ll play through some quick music or just the opposite. I will play periodically throughout the design phases which help me see the colors I want to use.” Whatever approach she uses seems to be working. Since graduation she has been published four times in San Diego Home/Garden Magazine; two times in the paper version and two times in the online version. She has also been doing home shows associated with ASID, IFDA and NKBA. Keeping a journal of notes from every project has been key to Terri’s growth. “I learn something useful from every project. The interior design business has been so rewarding. I am honored when a client refers me to friends and colleagues, and I love it when they smile through their walkthrough and say ‘You really got us.’ A designer just inwardly says to themselves, “Whew!”
Advice for students? “Stay involved in the associations. It's a great way to network, learn about the industry, and learn more about design. Sometimes it's a great way to find a job too. Getting involved in being a docent for different events is always a great way to meet established designers. Keep up with a variety of periodicals. It is important to understand all design styles. Remember, it’s about what the client needs, and this versatility will help you give the client what they want.” And hang in there! “I now understand why DI was so tough. They really prepare you! I wouldn’t want to be from any other school.”
To see Terri's website: http://www.anneparsonsinteriors.com
“